The Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington has called for the elimination of taxes on menstrual products whilst promoting domestic production of sanitary pads in the country.
She further called on President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, members, and leadership of the Gender & Finance Committees of Parliament, members and leadership of the majority and minority caucuses of Parliament, to support the passage of the Value Added Tax & Customs (Amendment) (No.2) Bill 2023 once it is gazetted and presented to the honorable house for consideration.
The Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana, Genevieve Partington made this statement at the Red Panel Discussion and launch of the Menstrual competition in Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Menstrual Hygiene Day in Ghana.
Menstruation Genevieve Partington indicated, is a natural and fundamental aspect of the female experience yet, many vulnerable women and school girls in underserved communities continue to face significant challenges in managing their period with dignity and without financial burden.
“As we pursue the agenda of a period-friendly Ghana, it is crucial that menstrual hygiene products, including sanitary Pads, tampons, and incontinence pads be exempt under both the VAT Act and the Customs Act.
Currently, none of the Act specifically exempts or zero-rates these essential items, whether imported or locally produced,” she bemoaned.
She however revealed that some countries have recognized the importance of menstrual equity and taken decisive policy action.
“On our continent, countries such as Kenya, Namibia, and Tanzania have led the way by abolishing or reducing taxes on sanitary products, acknowledging that access to these essential items is a fundamental human right”, she acknowledged.
To that effect, “It is time for Ghana to follow suit by eliminating all import duties and VAT on menstrual products and production materials sourced solely to produce sanitary care products”, she reiterated.
Madam Genevieve Partington however, urged all stakeholders, policymakers, and members of the public to rally behind the fight.
Adding that, there is a need to foster a sustainable and accessible supply chain for budding local producers, promoting a business environment where domestic production of menstrual products can thrive.
“By doing so, we can ensure that these essential items are readily available locally and at an affordable cost for all who require them”, she noted.
The panelists in one accord, urged the government to exempt menstrual pads from being taxed, to enable girls to get good hygiene adding that, taxing sanitary pads is a punishment to women.
They indicated that being a woman is natural likewise menstruation explaining that, some women use cement paper, leaves, etc due to the high cost of sanitary pads.
During the discussion, it came to light that, some men do take advantage of buying pads for the girls by impregnating them.
They therefore entreated the government to ensure that sanitary pads become free and accessible to all women in the country.
